Each year, the Rotary Club of Mt Eliza proudly organises the community’s Remembrance Day Service on November 11, traditionally held at the Mt Eliza Heritage & Memorial Garden adjacent to the 55 Plus Club.
This year, due to inclement weather, the ceremony was held indoors at the 55 Plus Club — a warm and respectful setting for such an important occasion.
The event was masterfully compered by James Farquharson from the Frankston RSL. Captain Paul Mandizy, Royal Australian Navy, delivered a powerful and heartfelt address, beginning with Australia’s involvement in World War I and reflecting on our nation’s greatest single wartime loss — the sinking of the HMAS Sydney in 1941.
🌺 Remembrance Day Service – Rotary Club of Mt Eliza
Each year, the Rotary Club of Mt Eliza proudly organises the local Remembrance Day Service on November 11, usually held at the Mt Eliza Heritage and Memorial Garden, adjacent to the 55 Plus Club.
This year, wet weather meant the ceremony was held indoors at the 55 Plus Club, where a large crowd gathered to remember and honour those who served and sacrificed for our nation.
The Master of Ceremonies once again was James Farquharson from the Frankston RSL, and the guest speaker was Captain Paul Mandizy from the Royal Australian Navy, who delivered a moving address. Captain Paul began by reflecting on Australia’s involvement in World War I and went on to recount our nation’s greatest single loss of life in war — the sinking of HMAS Sydney off the coast of Western Australia in 1941.
Reverend Tanya Cummings from the Mt Eliza Anglican Church led the prayers, followed by a heartfelt recitation of “In Flanders Fields” by Tom and Fleur from St Thomas More Primary School. Juno and Maria from Kunyung Primary School then beautifully delivered Binyon’s “Ode to the Fallen.”
At 11:00 am, Bugler Daniel Pedley from Peninsula Grammar played the Last Post, followed by a minute’s silence. He then played Reveille, stirring everyone to reflection and gratitude.
A large number of wreaths were laid, including tributes from:
MPs Jodie Belyea, Zoe McKenzie and Chris Crewther
Local schools
Mornington Peninsula Shire
Rotary Club of Mt Eliza
Order of Australia Regional Group
Mornington Peninsula Legacy
Victoria Police
As the service concluded, the sun emerged and the ceremony closed with a beautiful rendition of the National Anthem sung by Jade Groves from Toorak College.
Our sincere thanks to James, Paul, Tanya and Daniel for making this such a special and memorable day of remembrance.
Special thanks also go to 55 Plus Club President David Quinn and Teressa Quinn for their invaluable help with setup and pack down.
We are deeply grateful to our Rotary members Annette Ferrier, Jan Berg, Merrilyn Hamilton-Smith, Bernie Edwards, Iain Spear, George-Ann Sullivan, and Frank Flowers for their support and assistance throughout the event.
Finally, congratulations and heartfelt thanks to Community Director Carol Wallace, whose planning, organisation and leadership ensured the success of this important event in our local community calendar.
